Increase accountability. The House overwhelmingly passed the VA Management Accountability Act, which makes it easier for the VA Secretary to fire senior-level employees, a process that's been described in the past as being too cumbersome and complicated. The bill, which has been criticized by federal employee groups as unnecessary, is designed to streamline the accountability process. "The Senate needs to fast track its passage and the president should then sign it into law," Roby said.

Utilize non-VA resources. Roby said the VA must utilize its Patient Centered Community Care program to allow its medical centers to contract with local hospitals or clinics to get veterans care quicker and more efficiently. "We know there is increased demand, probably more than current VA resources can handle. So why not utilize this existing program to contract with local providers and get veteran patients the care they need, especially when the alternative is putting a veteran on a waiting list?," Roby said.

Do your VA experiences give you any insight on existing problems? What are your suggestions for improving the services?